Information Technology : Online

Successful professionals in the information technology field are those who are passionate about using computer technology to provide solutions to issues facing individuals, societies, and organizations. IT professionals must be flexible and innovative in meeting new challenges and be persistent in finding solutions. Due to the quickly changing nature of technology, it is important to be a lifelong learner and keep up-to-date on advances in the field. IT professionals must develop strong problem-solving, communication, and hands-on skills that they can apply to various career settings.

Information technology careers lead all other careers in projected job growth in this decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The IT professional is hired by organizations of all sizes in all industries. Typical positions held by recent graduates include software developer, programmer, web developer, network administrator/manager, system administrator, network engineer, information security analyst, security risk auditor, penetration tester, help center analyst, internet engineer, IT consultant, business systems consultant, implementation engineer, and OS analyst. Other careers include simulation programmer, mobile game designer, data analyst, data scientist, and database administrator.

Recent employers include Worldpay from FIS, General Electric, Kroger Company, Insight, Cincom Systems, Convergys, Duke Energy, Ford Motor Co., General Mills, Sigma Tek, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, U.S. Bank, and UGS among many others.

Additional career options are listed on the Center for Exploratory Studies website.

A minor in information technology (IT) provides solid knowledge and skills for students who are non-IT majors. The minor program requires the completion of 18 semester hours of IT courses that include IT1050, Fundamentals of Information Technology. The remaining courses are to be selected by the student and approved by the academic advisor. This flexibility enables students to focus the minor in IT on their personal interests and career goals. All courses must be taken through the School of Information Technology in CECH.

CECH Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-2336
cechssc@uc.edu

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology was the first BSIT program in Ohio and one of the first ten in the nation to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. The program is uniquely designed to provide hands-on experience in the core foundation of information technology. Almost all major courses are hands-on, requiring projects and lab experience. Students participate and complete a two-semester senior design experience, in which they develop a real-life IT solution and present it to the community in the annual IT Expo. 

In addition to the unique hands-on experience in the classroom, the IT program requires five semesters of cooperative education (co-op). Beginning their sophomore year, students alternate semesters of paid work in the IT industry with semesters of classroom instruction. The full-time paid co-op working experience positions IT graduates to have over one year of work experience at the time of their graduation, making them highly competitive for career opportunities. The UC co-op program provides local, national, and international placement opportunities. 

The IT program emphasizes problem-solving, communication, hands-on skills, innovation, and integration in which the technology serves the mission and interest of the users and the organization. 

Honors Program—The University of Cincinnati honors program offers small, interactive classes that allow students to receive personalized instruction and to learn more effectively. The honors program enriches the educational experience of top students through coursework and out-of-class experiences. Special topics courses allow honors students to broaden their intellectual horizons regardless of the discipline in which they are majoring. Students may also earn honors credit through experiential learning. Incoming freshmen are eligible to be invited to participate.

Student Organizations—To develop professionally and showcase leadership talents, many professional and social organizations exist in the college. In the School of Information Technology, there are two organizations: the Information Technology Student Association (ITSA) and Women in Information Technology (WIT).

Study Abroad—Study-abroad opportunities exist through the UC International Programs office. Students can study anywhere in the world on any type of program as long as they work with UC International Programs, get approval from their academic adviser and bring back a transcript with passing grades from an accredited institution. There are four different types of study-abroad experiences: UC programs, exchange programs, program providers, and direct enrollment.

Cooperative Education (co-op)—The five semesters full-time paid co-op working experience provides students with unique technical and interpersonal skills that highly prepare them for career opportunities of their choice. Local, regional, and international companies in all types of industries and of all sizes participate in this program, offering IT students unique opportunities. The income received helps many students graduate debt-free. 

Information Technology Expo (IT Expo)—This annual community event is a unique tradition of the IT program at UC. Senior students present the IT solution they developed in their senior project to the community in an expo-like environment. Students learn how to communicate complex technical solution and their impact and value to the public. Faculty, students, and invited guests also present research at the symposium. Projects are judged by local industry and each year, multiple awards are presented.  

In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Obtain the required university grade point average for the program.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted graduation deadline for the semester

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)

Please note: If a potential student is interested in this major and does not meet these minimum standards, they are strongly encouraged to meet with a CECH Academic Advisor to develop an academic plan and discuss a more holistic approach to the admission process.

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges of the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)

Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services at (513) 556-2336.

The information technology program welcomes international students. Admission requirements are the same as university admission requirements for international students and the equivalent of the freshmen and transfer requirements of the program.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.